Recent reviews by Kranst

The third partnered paid expansion Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania is by far the most ambitious. If you are looking for raw quantity, this is well worth the investment. There was much time, effort, and passion invested, and this is seen in the results. It contains the largest map by far and includes the most characters and weapons to date. The music is a highlight here with numerous tracks. Despite the praise, the visibility has continued to worsen as more content has been added, and the sheer scope can be overwhelming, hence why an Adventure is not included. Regardless, this addition is still very enjoyable.

The second partnered paid expansion Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns incorporates all the best parts from the previous additions and more. There is one large map and a bonus stage, which both play into the horizontal roots of Contra. What felt extremely good was playing each character using only their starting weapon. Not only was this a great challenge, but merged the best feelings from both series. Upgrading each weapon can become tedious the more you collect due to their requirement in evolution, but otherwise, this is a solid installment. Great value, and there is an Adventure included. Pick this one up with all the others.

The first partnered paid expansion Vampire Survivors: Emergency Meeting unfortunately does not meet the standard of the other installments. There are some interesting ideas explored here, and some fascinating references to old science fiction series, but the theme and characters feel loosely connected at best. Having the Among Us crew members join the roster seems forced. The characters are not unique, their abilities less so, and the majority of the weapons are either frustrating to use or not practical as some require visibility to execute. The price is reasonable, and there is an Adventure included, but it is hard to recommend this alongside the others.

The second original paid expansion Vampire Survivors: Tides of the Foscari greatly expands on the foundation laid out by the first. The caveat that is important to be aware of is that an Adventure is not included in exchange for two large maps. The progression through the unlockables, and in turn the level and the various locations, is interesting, and there is some reliance on using specific characters to progress. The inclusion of one character completely trivialized gaining money, for better or worse. The weapons are a real stand out here. Each one is unique. Again, an extremely affordable price and is worth the purchase.

The first original paid expansion Vampire Survivors: Legacy of the Moonspell starts strong, but comparatively is less impressive as time goes on. However, while the amount of content might be lesser, the characters and weapons are for the most part all fun to use. The soundtrack is a banger, and the initial excitement when first starting the stage is epic. There is an Adventure included, and it has a fun little story with some unique scenarios. The level design and monsters are themed after Japanese folklore if you are into that. Of course, this comes at an extremely affordable price and is worth the purchase.

Thronefall hides an immense amount of depth inside its simplistic minimalism. The unnecessary complexity from the genre has been stripped in favor of accessibility, yet somehow manages to include a variety of viable choices and strategies. The design and aesthetic are wonderful! You are not punished for restarting or trying new tactics. Rather, you are encouraged to do so. Separating the casual audience and those more seriously invested simply through the high score mechanic is such a good decision. Quests are interesting but understandable, achievements are straightforward, and nothing can be missed! Moreover, the difficulty is dynamic and personal. Highly recommend picking this one up.

An endearing and beautiful story that is a must-play for anyone who enjoys compelling narratives and character-driven life journeys. The vast majority of the writing is fantastic, filled with touching lessons, intricate world-building and expansive lore. One aspect that is appreciated is the auditory approach to puzzles that while having visuals, can be completely solved just by listening. Unfortunately, not all is perfect concerning completion. Some collectibles can be missed in addition to some poorly chosen achievements, such as including a speedrun in a dialogue-heavy game. Though these problems are quite minor in comparison to the breathtaking first experience that is OPUS: Echo of Starsong.

Wholesome in both presentation and message, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a relaxing playthrough, especially if one values good vibes with a little bit of educational content sprinkled in. Being straightforward in progression and calming in nature, there is never a sense of urgency. The player is welcome to explore the condensed but detailed island at their own pace. Moreover, nothing is missable due to the inclusion of free-roaming after you complete the main story. The game is intentionally designed to be as stress-free and accessible as possible. Pick this up if you are looking for something nice to unwind to for a few evenings.

Having a product with such good design in addition to the developer making decisions to benefit the community is a rarity today. On top of that, Sheepy: A Short Adventure is free. With such a positive reception, one can hope that a new, deservingly monetized project is in development. The phenomenal sound design and expertly crafted pixel art contribute heavily to the atmosphere of the world. Apart from the stellar voice-recorded segments, the game excels in showing as opposed to telling. The controls are fluid and the character is fun to move. This is an example of just how good high-quality concise experiences can be.

Something is fascinating about media that aims to isolate one of your senses. While restraining oneself might seem counterproductive, limitations in both game design and storytelling often enhance the experience. Resonance of the Ocean interchanges emotion with audio. Simple writing encourages a player to form their thoughts throughout, such as associating sound with memories of youth or the world feeling lived in. Being brief and atmospheric, it is well worth your time. The art is cozy and the gameplay is stress-free. Moreover, there is some excellent quality of life, including additional languages and the ability to replay the final day. A nice way to unwind.